My Helicopter Fetish

I can’t believe it was such a short time ago that I had never been on a helicopter. Now? After three trips in such a short amount of time, I can’t believe what a wonderful way it is to see landscapes such as the Las Vegas Strip. It seems like ages ago that I thought I’d been the least bit scared — but it takes off straight up and with such smoothness that it truly feels like a car in the sky, as close to the Jetsons as I’ll ever get. My most recent trip was with Heli USA, which just happened to my first also. This time, I didn’t go camping with real cowboys at the Grand Canyon Ranch, but instead opted for a nighttime tour of the Strip. And just a few weeks ago, I got another taste with Papillon helicopters. This time, how fun to see such a familiar, glitzy place from the sky at night!

Who hasn’t wanted to cruise the nighttime Strip in a helicopter? I joined my friend Kristen, whose blog Swanky Dietitian I’ve come to rely on for great recipes and inspiration for fun activities around Vegas, for an 8:30 pm ride. We kicked off with a glass or two of champagne in the hanger before taking off.

Of course when they asked for a volunteer to ride up front with the pilot, my hand shot up like an over-eager second-grader. I needn’t have worried: Aside from Kristen and I, the rest of the passengers were tourist couples, who recoiled from the pilot’s offer. Me, I was thrilled!

Up front with the pilot!

The Strip is so exciting at night — all aglow. The new casinos are so sleek and modern now, but a part of me misses the themed hotels. How can you say no to that Eiffel Tower?

The most surprising part of the trip? How close we got to the Stratosphere! It happens to be the home of my favorite ride, Big Shot. I couldn’t believe how close we were to the top of the tallest hotel in Vegas, which has always felt so high up in the air!

I was a guest of activity gurus Cloud 9 Living, but all opinions are my own. Interested in having your own adventure in Vegas? Win your an experience by entering Cloud 9 Living’s 9 Days of Christmas.

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Day 4 Prize: Foodie – Food Tour for Two

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Day 9 Prize (GRAND PRIZE): Experience of a Lifetime – Fighter Pilot for a Day

I don’t know if I could ever have the courage to ride on a helicopter, but maybe if I’d be given a chance.. hmm I’ll think about it (lol) But I’m glad that you’re enjoying it. The views from the top though really are amazing.. the most recent was when I ride on the London Eye, the city looks so cool at night. I will soon try viewing it from the Shard.. and now a helicopter idea. ohlala :>

I don’t think I’ll be going on a helicopter ride for a long while, considering my personal tragedy this year. But I can’t imagine a better way to see your home city than from above. I’ve always love seeing the lights when I approach Vegas on a plane.

I would have volunteered to fly shotgun, too! In fact, I did just that on a tiny prop plane from Martha’s Vineyard to Boston Logan (after elbowing my way onto the only flight off the island that day–in the fog. A flight that I was not scheduled to be on. But that’s a story for another time…)

I’d LOVE to see the strip from the air–and the Grand Canyon excursion is on my list, too. Gee I wonder if I could find a cheap flight to Vegas for next week…hmmm…

Loved this post! Hard to believe (because hubby is a flight instructor) but I haven’t been in a helicopter yet, just because it’s so darn expensive. I should have asked Cloud 9 for that experience…sounds like you had a blast. Love your expression—priceless! 🙂